Radiator question

Discuss fixes, upgrades and modifications to your M37

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refit1701
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Radiator question

Post by refit1701 »

What's good used one go for these days? I didn't see any listed at MWM or VPW so I guess used the the only route?
-John
Member of Dixie Division MVC

1953 USAF M37 wow, restored
1962 M151 Ford Production, on the rotisserie now
1953 USMC M37 w/w -in storage
1942 M6 Bomb Service Truck (sold to UK collector)
1967 M116A1 Pioneer Trailer
1968 M101A1 Trailer
S-89 Comm box
Cal_Gary
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Post by Cal_Gary »

I think Sam Winer in Ohio still had a new one for $500. They are hard to find-I landed a bargain re-cored, slightly used one for $285 about three years ago.
Gary
Cal_Gary
1954 M37 W/W
MVPA Correspondent #28500
G741.org Forum member since 2004
refit1701
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Post by refit1701 »

OUCH!! :shock:

I had no idea they were so costly.
-John
Member of Dixie Division MVC

1953 USAF M37 wow, restored
1962 M151 Ford Production, on the rotisserie now
1953 USMC M37 w/w -in storage
1942 M6 Bomb Service Truck (sold to UK collector)
1967 M116A1 Pioneer Trailer
1968 M101A1 Trailer
S-89 Comm box
Master Yota
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Post by Master Yota »

If your tanks are in good shape, its much cheaper to have your rad recored. Most fullsize Dodge cars and trucks used a rad core that is very close in size to the stock unit during the 70's and 80's. Its apparently the most common core size available. A competant rad shop should have no trouble putting a new core between your tanks.
Ray
1953 CDN. M37
1954 CDN. M152
refit1701
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Post by refit1701 »

Good suggestions but I am actually missing the radiator on this truck I am picking up this weekend.

MV show season is starting up so maybe I can get one from a club member around here. 8)
-John
Member of Dixie Division MVC

1953 USAF M37 wow, restored
1962 M151 Ford Production, on the rotisserie now
1953 USMC M37 w/w -in storage
1942 M6 Bomb Service Truck (sold to UK collector)
1967 M116A1 Pioneer Trailer
1968 M101A1 Trailer
S-89 Comm box
Mark@Sea
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Post by Mark@Sea »

If not, I've got one in Charleston SC (needs recore) you can have cheeeep.
refit1701
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Post by refit1701 »

Mark@Sea wrote:If not, I've got one in Charleston SC (needs recore) you can have cheeeep.
I'll keep you in mind!
-John
Member of Dixie Division MVC

1953 USAF M37 wow, restored
1962 M151 Ford Production, on the rotisserie now
1953 USMC M37 w/w -in storage
1942 M6 Bomb Service Truck (sold to UK collector)
1967 M116A1 Pioneer Trailer
1968 M101A1 Trailer
S-89 Comm box
MSeriesRebuild
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Post by MSeriesRebuild »

Recore jobs go around $400-$450 these days, new reproduction copper/brass (original equipment type) radiators are around $1,000, New all aluminum with extreme heavy duty core, around $1,550. These are the facts current day, watch buying so called good take-outs, you can easily get fooled, I wouldn't suggest buying one before it is checked out by a reputable radiator shop.
Charles Talbert
www.mseriesrebuild.com
refit1701
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Post by refit1701 »

Thanks for the info, Charles. Those numbers are scary.....
-John
Member of Dixie Division MVC

1953 USAF M37 wow, restored
1962 M151 Ford Production, on the rotisserie now
1953 USMC M37 w/w -in storage
1942 M6 Bomb Service Truck (sold to UK collector)
1967 M116A1 Pioneer Trailer
1968 M101A1 Trailer
S-89 Comm box
chris olson
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options

Post by chris olson »

believe it or not but a radiator from a toyota landcruiser will nearly bolt right to the factory mount...I had to drill out two holes.(on the rad)

I have also heard of guys using aluminum circle track radiators and having mounting channels welded on
1952 M37cdn
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Re: options

Post by Master Yota »

chris olson wrote:believe it or not but a radiator from a toyota landcruiser will nearly bolt right to the factory mount...I had to drill out two holes.(on the rad)

I have also heard of guys using aluminum circle track radiators and having mounting channels welded on
The 4 core cruiser unit is the only way to go, and they are found in the FJ series trucks with the gas engine. I used a 3 core from a diesel and it wouldn't cool the 305 I had swapped into the M37. That may not be a problem with the rad though, I had issues at the time with the electric cooling fans. I sold the truck before I figured out the problem.

The last dodge rad that I had recored cost me less than 300 dollars, but I supplied the tanks. That was with a HD 3 core copper and brass unit. This was about 3 years ago.

Charles, your prices are very scary indeed. Sounds to me that while your getting good quality, your overpaying by quite abit for materials and labor.
Ray
1953 CDN. M37
1954 CDN. M152
MSeriesRebuild
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Re: options

Post by MSeriesRebuild »

Master Yota wrote:
chris olson wrote:believe it or not but a radiator from a toyota landcruiser will nearly bolt right to the factory mount...I had to drill out two holes.(on the rad)

I have also heard of guys using aluminum circle track radiators and having mounting channels welded on
The 4 core cruiser unit is the only way to go, and they are found in the FJ series trucks with the gas engine. I used a 3 core from a diesel and it wouldn't cool the 305 I had swapped into the M37. That may not be a problem with the rad though, I had issues at the time with the electric cooling fans. I sold the truck before I figured out the problem.

The last dodge rad that I had recored cost me less than 300 dollars, but I supplied the tanks. That was with a HD 3 core copper and brass unit. This was about 3 years ago.

Charles, your prices are very scary indeed. Sounds to me that while your getting good quality, your overpaying by quite abit for materials and labor.
Charles Talbert
www.mseriesrebuild.com
MSeriesRebuild
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Re: options

Post by MSeriesRebuild »

Master Yota wrote:
chris olson wrote:believe it or not but a radiator from a toyota landcruiser will nearly bolt right to the factory mount...I had to drill out two holes.(on the rad)

I have also heard of guys using aluminum circle track radiators and having mounting channels welded on
The 4 core cruiser unit is the only way to go, and they are found in the FJ series trucks with the gas engine. I used a 3 core from a diesel and it wouldn't cool the 305 I had swapped into the M37. That may not be a problem with the rad though, I had issues at the time with the electric cooling fans. I sold the truck before I figured out the problem.

The last dodge rad that I had recored cost me less than 300 dollars, but I supplied the tanks. That was with a HD 3 core copper and brass unit. This was about 3 years ago.

Charles, your prices are very scary indeed. Sounds to me that while your getting good quality, your overpaying by quite abit for materials and labor.
Well fellows, 3 years ago and today is a HUGE cost difference, I wish I could get this stuff done for the prices I could 3 years ago.

Now as far as Canadian prices, maybe you can get it done cheaper there, I'm quoting what it cost me here. I have only 1 radiator shop left anywhere around, its an hours drive 1 way, and yes whether we think it's reasonable or not, if we get the goods, we pay the price. That's the bottom line from where I stand. I don't have any other shops to choose from in my area.

I just sold Mark@Sea a new recored unit for $450, he seemed tickled to get it at that price since he was quoted $850 for a recore at a local shop where he is. He was willing to drive from Charleston, SC to pick it up. You fellows may want to get some current pricing from your local shop, you too may find prices have increased dramatically. 2 years ago, I was buying the heavy aluminum custom radiators for around $700 for our Cummins projects. Yes the cost now has doubled. Things have changed.
Charles Talbert
www.mseriesrebuild.com
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Post by Cal_Gary »

It's ALL gone up in the past three years, with the economy being what it is. I'm thankful to be able to continue work on mine and procuring the parts.
Gary
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refit1701
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Post by refit1701 »

Everything is more expensive. I think the cost of metals drove things up and even though the prices are bottomed out now, the shops are still charging as if they are still high.
-John
Member of Dixie Division MVC

1953 USAF M37 wow, restored
1962 M151 Ford Production, on the rotisserie now
1953 USMC M37 w/w -in storage
1942 M6 Bomb Service Truck (sold to UK collector)
1967 M116A1 Pioneer Trailer
1968 M101A1 Trailer
S-89 Comm box
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